The Industrial Development Authority currently has five upcoming term expirations in September 2021.
In accordance with the Board of County Commissioners’ Policy on Board Appointments, the Board of County Commissioners was notified of the new vacancies on June 21, 2021. Currently, the IDA has 15 board members with no vacancies but five upcoming term expirations. The Policy on Board Appointments requires, “Approximately two months before any vacancies occur, the Department Head/staff liaison assigned to the committee shall notify the Board of County Commissioners in writing of the upcoming vacancies. The vacancies shall be advertised to the public.”
Individuals who are interested in serving on the IDA should submit an application to the County Administrator’s office for future consideration. The IDA and BOCC will consider applications after the expiration of the two-month notification period.
IDA members serve four-year terms and play an integral part in shaping the county’s current and future economy.
The IDA, as authorized by Florida Statute 159.44 – 159.53, is responsible for financing projects for the public purposes described in the Florida Industrial Development Financing Act and by Florida Statute and for fostering the economic development of the county.
IDA board members also serve concurrent terms on the Highlands County Economic Development Commission, which is the nonprofit component of economic development efforts in Highlands County.
The authority strives to maintain a cross-section of the county's business community with members representing real estate, law, banking, communications, health care, agriculture, manufacturing, distribution and logistics, aviation, development, education, insurance, construction, utilities, workforce, and engineering.
Applicants must be electors of Highlands County and may not serve on more than three County Commission committees simultaneously, provided only one of the committees has final decision making authority.
To apply, submit completed applications to Michelle Drake, mdrake@highlandsfl.gov and Meghan DiGiacomo, mdigiacomo@highlandsfl.gov. Applications are available here on the Board & Team page of this website or by contacting Michelle Drake by email or telephone, 863-402-6517. For questions about the IDA, contact Meghan DiGiacomo, Executive Manager of Business and Economic Development at 863-402-6906 or mdigiacomo@highlandsfl.gov.